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Protecting More Than Just Skin: National Sun Awareness Week & Your Eyes

As the sunshine beckons us outdoors, National Sun Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder that while we often focus on protecting our skin, we mustn’t forget the impact of UV rays on our eyes. At Haine & Smith Opticians, we believe in whole-body sun safety, and your eyes are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your skin.

Why Eye Protection Matters

Just like our skin, our eyes can suffer from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged UV exposure has been linked to a range of eye problems, including:

• Cataracts: UV light accelerates the ageing of the eye’s lens, increasing the risk of cataracts.
• Macular Degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss, linked to several factors, potentially including cumulative UV damage.
• Photokeratitis: This is essentially a sunburn of the eyes; this can cause pain, redness, and temporary vision loss.
• Skin Cancer around the eyes: The delicate eyelid skin is highly susceptible to UV-induced skin cancers.

The Haine & Smith Approach to Eye Safety

As a trusted name in local eye care for decades, we are committed to ensuring our communities are informed and protected. Here’s how we’re helping:

• UV-Blocking Lenses
  
  We offer a wide range of sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, including stylish designer frames and affordable everyday options. Our skilled opticians are trained to help you find frames that both look great and protect effectively.
  
  
• Prescription Sunglasses
  
  You shouldn’t have to choose between clear vision and sun protection. Our range of prescription sunglasses means you can enjoy the outdoors without compromising on eyesight or sun protection.
  
  
• Photochromic (Transition) Lenses
  
  For those who are always on the go, these lenses automatically darken in sunlight and remain clear indoors, offering seamless UV protection wherever you go.
  
  
• Children’s Eye Protection
  
  Children’s eyes are more sensitive to UV damage and most of the UV exposure across our lifetimes occurs before the age of 18! We carry a selection of sunglasses designed for both safety and comfort, perfect for school runs, beach days and summer holidays.

Sunglasses Ranges to Suit Every Style and Budget

We’re proud to offer a diverse selection of high-quality sunglasses across all of our practices, with something for everyone.

For Adults -

• Project 100 - Stylish and affordable (from £75)
• Wolf - Elegant, durable frames (from £125)
• Ray-Ban - Iconic styles! (from £175)
• Oakley - Sporty performance and style (from £175)
• Maui Jim - Premium polarised lenses (from £185 at selected practices)
• Tom Ford - Luxury fashion-forward eyewear (from £275 at selected practices)
• Kirk & Kirk - Bold, artistic design (from £575 at selected practices)

For Children -

• Planet Pop - Fun, colourful protection (from £50)
• Ray-Ban Junior - Mini versions of the classics! (from £100)

Whether you’re after affordable everyday protection or designer flair, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect pair to suit your lifestyle.

Top Eye Care Tips for Sun Awareness Week

• Wear sunglasses even on cloudy days - up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds.
• Choose wraparound frames for maximum protection from peripheral rays.
• Add a wide-brimmed hat to reduce sunlight exposure from above.
• Schedule regular eye exams to monitor any UV-related changes in your eyes.

It may be National Sun Awareness Week, but we’re committed to making sun safety a life long habit, not just for our skin but also our sight. Whether you're upgrading your shades or scheduling a routine appointment, your local Haine & Smith practice is here to help you stay safe in the sun.